Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin File / 2018-CHRYSLER-PACIFICA
2018 · chrysler

chrysler Pacifica problems

4 safety recalls. 781 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.0 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
192 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
172 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
135 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
133 reports · avg $700
severe
brakes
14 reports · avg $450
severe
body
12 reports · avg $1,500
severe
suspension
12 reports · avg $900
moderate
cruise control
8 reports · avg $600
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 Pacifica · steering
The steering becomes stiff or seems to get stuck when between 10 or 11 o'clock position. It appears to be slowly deteriorating. It has not been reported yet and no warning lights showing. It does not yet stop the vehicle from being in control. It has been noticed over last year…
12/31/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11708067.0
2018 Pacifica · powertrain
The car shifts really hard going into 2nd gear, it feels like I've been rear-ended. It is awful. Also sometimes it loses power then accelerates on its own. Both issues are safety issues. this happens several times a weeks for the last 3 years.
12/31/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633337.0
2018 Pacifica · electrical Fire
VEHICLE WAS AT RED LIGHT WHEN STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING THEN SMOKE FROM THE HOOD AND VENTS INSIDE THE VAN. THEN WHEN THE HOOD IS POPPED TITHE FLAMES GOT WORSE. THE FIRE STARTED ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT AROUND THE RADIATOR RESERVOIR.
12/31/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292370.0
2018 Pacifica · electrical
While driving on the freeway, the van suddenly started to ‘drag’ and alarm that the start/stop system was unavailable. I was barely able to pull off the freeway before the van completely stopped moving and would not start up again.
12/30/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633259.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 17V542000 31/08/2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with the 8-passenger seating option

Inadvertent unlatching of the left outboard seat belt can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T54.
severe NHTSA 19V143000 28/02/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles

A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replacing the components as necessary. The right front lower control arm knuckle pinch bolt will be replaced with a larger-diameter pinch bolt. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V15.
severe NHTSA 18V493000 26/07/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles

If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right halfshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U80.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 781 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 192 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chrysler Pacifica has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 781 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 15 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chrysler. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
Get a free warranty quote →